I. ˈkrəmpəl verb
( crumpled ; crumpled ; crumpling -p(ə)liŋ ; crumples )
Etymology: from (assumed) Middle English crumplen, freq. of crumpen to crump — more at crump (to crook)
transitive verb
1. : to press or twist into folds or wrinkles
crumple a paper
: rumple : make creases in
a smile crumpled his face
: bend and crush out of shape
the crash crumpled both fenders badly
2. : to cause to collapse : break the resistance of
swearing always crumpled her
intransitive verb
1. : to show wrinkles after crushing
tinfoil crumples readily
2. : to collapse as if crumpled
at the sound of the shot the figure suddenly crumpled
— often used with up
he lay there all crumpled up
II. noun
( -s )
: a wrinkle, fold, or crease made by crumpling or squeezing : a crumpled part of something